Softwood lumber imports in China during January-February 2019 totalled 3.82 million m³ (+16% compared with 2018). This is a new record and the seasonally adjusted trend line for the Chinese import of softwood lumber is increasing at a record high level according to Jenny Wessung, CEO at the analysis company Woodstat AB who is specialises in the softwood lumber market. Source: Timberbiz
Of softwood lumber, China imports it is mostly pine. The import of pine increased by 8% during January-February (compared with 2018). The import of spruce increased by 26%. The import of other lumber (mostly larch) increased by 31%.
According to the latest analysis from Woodstat the Russian market share in the Chinese lumber market is now decreasing from a very high level and at the same time the trend line for the Canadian market share is increasing. The market share trend for the leading exporters in Europe is also increasing.
The main exporters Russia and Canada increased the export to China by 15% and 65% respectively during January-February (compared with 2018). Ukraine increased the most (+223%) and is the fourth largest exporter.
The US had the largest decrease by -57% and imports from both Sweden and Finland decreased during the period by 39% and 28% respectively.
